Story by Mthokozisi Dube
FORMER Premier Soccer League champions Chicken Inn F.C. have bolstered their squad and secured new corporate backing as they target honours in the 2026 season.
The Gamecocks unveiled six foreign signings and new partners during a kit launch in Bulawayo on Monday night, signalling a fresh push after a disappointing campaign last year.
For much of their 16-year stay in the Premier Soccer League, Chicken Inn have turned Luveve into a fortress where leading clubs have struggled. However, last season’s dip in form prompted a comprehensive review by the club’s leadership.
That process resulted in the appointment of reigning Coach of the Year Tonderayi Ndiraya and sweeping changes to both the technical bench and playing squad.
Club president Lifa Ncube said the restructuring, coupled with new sponsorship, should restore the team’s competitiveness.
“We had a difficult season last year and held meetings to take stock. We then decided to go for a winning coach. We are happy that we have managed to court partners to sponsor the team this season, and that should translate to good results on the field of play,” he said.
Lucky Bets were unveiled as the club’s new kit sponsors, with chief operations officer Humphrey David describing the deal as the start of a long-term partnership.
“As Lucky Bets, we are saying this is just the beginning of better days. When we decided to sponsor football, we did not think any further than Chicken Inn. They are a club hungry for success,” he said.
The league leadership welcomed the corporate support.
“As the Premier Soccer League, we have a motto that says ‘more than just a game’. Football should be a marketplace for ideas where corporates come on board and sell their products. This is a step in the right direction as we grow the sport,” said PSL chief executive Rodwell Thabe.
In a departure from their traditional pre-season tours to Malawi, the club this year sent their coach on a two-week attachment in Spain and held team bonding camps in Kariba and Gweru as part of preparations for the new campaign.
